In a thrilling conclusion to their 2025 NBA Summer League campaign, the Indiana Pacers secured a 113-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, July 18, finishing the tournament with a 3-2 record. The standout performances came from point guard RayJ Dennis and forward Enrique Freeman, both of whom recorded double-doubles, showcasing their versatility and making strong cases for their roles with the Pacers in the upcoming 2025-26 season.[](https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/indiana/3-takeaways-robert-baker-makes-case-for-boom-rayj-dennis-enrique-freeman-finish-strong-summer/)[](https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2025/07/19/nba-summer-league-pacers-win-finale-robert-baker-makes-g-league-case-rayj-dennis-enriqure-freeman/85285067007/)
## RayJ Dennis: Commanding the Offense
RayJ Dennis, a former Baylor standout on a two-way contract, returned to the lineup after sitting out the Pacers’ previous game against the Knicks. With key guards Kam Jones, Taelon Peter, and Quenton Jackson absent, along with wing Johnny Furphy, Dennis seized the opportunity to take control of the Pacers’ high-octane offense. He delivered 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, with one of those triples launched from just inside the logo. His 11 assists against just three turnovers highlighted his ability to keep the ball moving, as the Pacers recorded 29 assists on 42 field goals.[](https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/indiana/3-takeaways-robert-baker-makes-case-for-boom-rayj-dennis-enrique-freeman-finish-strong-summer/)[](https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2025/07/19/nba-summer-league-pacers-win-finale-robert-baker-makes-g-league-case-rayj-dennis-enriqure-freeman/85285067007/)
Dennis’ performance was a testament to his growth as a floor general. His ability to whip passes with either hand and maintain composure under pressure drew praise from analysts, with many noting his potential to provide depth at point guard, especially critical with All-Star Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the 2025-26 season due to an Achilles tendon tear. Dennis’ Summer League showing, including a 26-point, nine-assist performance against the Cavaliers earlier in the tournament, strengthens his case to retain his two-way contract and contribute in limited minutes for the Pacers.[](https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2025/07/10/nba-summer-league-pacers-vs-cavs-score-stats-quenton-jackson-rayj-dennis-lead-indiana-comeback-win/84499657007/)[](https://www.nba.com/news/nba-2k26-summer-league-pacers-cavaliers-2)
## Enrique Freeman: Dominating the Paint
Forward Enrique Freeman, another two-way contract player, continued his impressive Summer League run with his fourth consecutive double-double, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Freeman was highly efficient, shooting 7-of-8 from the field, with all his baskets coming in the restricted area. His three offensive rebounds, along with an assist, a steal, and two blocks, underscored his relentless energy and defensive activity. Freeman’s Summer League averages of 16.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game on 72.5% shooting highlight his potential as a small-ball center, despite competition for a roster spot with rookie Taelon Peter.[](https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2025/07/19/nba-summer-league-pacers-win-finale-robert-baker-makes-g-league-case-rayj-dennis-enriqure-freeman/85285067007/)[](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/3-takeaways-kam-jones-gets-231214716.html)
Freeman’s performance against the Pelicans was part of a consistent effort throughout the Summer League, where he showcased his ability to impact both ends of the floor. His battle for a two-way contract remains tight, but his hustle and productivity make him a strong candidate for a spot with the Pacers’ G League affiliate, the Noblesville Boom, or potentially elsewhere if he doesn’t secure a roster position.[](https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2025/07/17/nba-summer-league-pacers-get-big-days-from-kam-jones-enrique-freeman-vs-knicks-g-league-auditions/84678324007/)[](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/3-takeaways-kam-jones-gets-231214716.html)
## Supporting Cast and Team Effort
While Dennis and Freeman stole the spotlight, forward Robert Baker led the Pacers with a game-high 26 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 11-of-18, including 4-of-10 from three-point range. His versatility and scoring outburst further bolstered his case for a professional roster spot, potentially with the Boom. Forward Phillip Wheeler added 19 points, showcasing his aggressive dribble-drive game and perfect 6-for-6 free-throw shooting. Guard Keisei Tominaga contributed 12 points, rounding out a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Pelicans, who finished the Summer League 0-5.[](https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/indiana/3-takeaways-robert-baker-makes-case-for-boom-rayj-dennis-enrique-freeman-finish-strong-summer/)[](https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2025/07/19/nba-summer-league-pacers-win-finale-robert-baker-makes-g-league-case-rayj-dennis-enriqure-freeman/85285067007/)
The Pacers’ ability to rally from deficits and maintain offensive fluidity was evident throughout the tournament. Their 3-2 record included a dramatic 116-115 comeback win over the Cavaliers, led by Dennis and Quenton Jackson, and a 91-88 victory over the Knicks, powered by rookie Kam Jones and Freeman. Despite losses to the Thunder and Bulls, the Pacers showed resilience and depth, critical for a team navigating the loss of key players like Haliburton.[](https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2025/07/10/nba-summer-league-pacers-vs-cavs-score-stats-quenton-jackson-rayj-dennis-lead-indiana-comeback-win/84499657007/)[](https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2025/07/17/nba-summer-league-indiana-pacers-new-york-knicks-stats-score-kam-jones-enrique-freeman-tyler-kolek/85264041007/)[](https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/indiana/3-takeaways-johnny-furphy-has-best-dunk-of-summer-league-kam-jones-has-best-game-so-far/)
## Looking Ahead
For Dennis and Freeman, their Summer League performances have solidified their potential as valuable pieces for the Pacers’ future. Dennis’ playmaking and long-range shooting provide much-needed backcourt depth, while Freeman’s rebounding and efficiency in the paint offer a unique skill set at the forward position. As the Pacers prepare for the 2025-26 season, both players will look to build on their Summer League success, whether with the NBA roster or the Noblesville Boom in the G League.[](https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/indiana/3-takeaways-robert-baker-makes-case-for-boom-rayj-dennis-enrique-freeman-finish-strong-summer/)[](https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2025/07/19/nba-summer-league-pacers-win-finale-robert-baker-makes-g-league-case-rayj-dennis-enriqure-freeman/85285067007/)
The Pacers’ Summer League finale was a fitting showcase of their young talent, with Dennis and Freeman proving they can lead the charge. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these performances translate to the regular season, as the Pacers aim to remain competitive in a challenging Eastern Conference.
*Sources: Indianapolis Star, NBA.com, PIT Basketball on X*
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